Proven denominational giving that just makes sense...
The Case for Co-op
By Stan Bunch
Early in the history of the denomination, Free Will Baptists had a clear understanding that by cooperating through shared ministries and unified giving, we could accomplish more for the glory of God. An excerpt from the 1941 minutes reads:
Recommended by the General Board…
Whereas the unity of the body of Christ is designed to produce corporate worship and united service, therefore be it resolved:
1. That Christian unity is the equitable support of Missions, Education, and Benevolence besought through the establishment of a Unified Program Fund, and that all subordinate organizations, standing boards, officers, fieldworkers, and ministers of the denomination be and are hereby called upon to promote, patronize, and donate to this fund. It shall be allocated to the objects supported by the Association as the body may be pleased to direct in its annual sessions. Designated gifts to Missions, Education, and Superannuation may be sought at the will of those standing boards which promote these enterprises, and it shall be the privilege of churches and individuals to respond as the Spirit may lead.”
This resolution was adopted, and later that year Missouri State Association voting delegates followed suit. The first year, Missouri reported only $17 in the fund. However, in 2024, Missouri closed the year having received over $1 million in CO-OP giving. God has clearly blessed this plan.
In 1952, due to a lack of participation in the Unified Program Fund, Missouri delegates voted to rename the program the Missouri Cooperative Program. They also approved a fixed disbursement model, with 60% of funds going to missions and to Free Will Baptist Bible College.
Over the years, Missouri Free Will Baptists have revisited and revised CO-OP fund distribution multiple times through state body votes. But one thing has never changed: the focus on supporting the Lord’s work — together!
Present Support
Today, 103 of the 138 Missouri Free Will Baptist churches support CO-OP. Churches are encouraged to practice the biblical principle of tithing to the CO-OP Fund, which is distributed to ministries approved by voting delegates. One hundred percent of all designated giving is disbursed to the appropriate ministry.
How It Works
CO-OP and designated gifts, along with a form outlining disbursement instructions, are sent via mail or online to the Missouri Executive Office. All gifts are recorded, deposited, and then disbursed in full on the first of each month.
Financial accountability includes: monthly reports in The Missouri GEM, annual financial audits, and reports presented to state convention delegates.
Current Fund Distribution
19% Missouri Missions
21.5% General/Executive Office
8.5% Youth Camp
2% Youth Ministry
2% Christian Education
2% Retiree Ministry
9% State Retirement
3% Show-Me Missions
33% National Ministries (disbursement percentages determined by NAFWB delegates) Note: Randall University receives 0.1121% of this amount.
15 Benefits of Statewide CO-OP Giving
It follows the New Testament pattern of churches working together cooperatively.
It is built on trust and accountability. Funds are used wisely and responsibly.
It is based on the principle of the tithe: Equal sacrifice, not equal giving.
It supports all ministries of the state and national associations with a single contribution.
It subsidizes youth camps, retreats, and conferences — often free or at reduced cost.
It provides free resources to attendees of our conferences and events.
It fully funds church plants in Missouri from within the state. Less funds spent on fundraising equals more funds for ministry. A full-time missions director leads this ministry.
It provides generous support to IM missionaries with Missouri ties.
Pastors (whether full time or co-vocational) are eligible to receive $1,350 annually toward their NAFWB retirement account if their churches give 10% to CO-OP.
It fully covers the cost of counseling for ministerial families seeking counseling through the Executive Office.
It provides college scholarships: $500/semester for Missouri undergraduates at Free Will Baptist colleges/universities and for ministerial graduate students.
Sixty-six percent of all CO-OP funds stay in Missouri; 33% support national ministries.
Ministerial students attend retreats free of charge.
It supports The Missouri GEM, the longest-running publication among Free Will Baptists.
It fully funds the state director’s ministry, allowing him to dedicate 100% of his time to ministry promotion.
As of March 2025, 91% of funds received by the National Executive Department came through churches and states that support CO-OP giving. CO-OP works…if we work it!
Addressing Concerns
The primary concern raised about CO-OP is: “Our people want to know where their money is going and have a say in it.” This concern is valid and is addressed regularly. Each year, delegates vote on a CO-OP budget at the state convention, and all recipient ministries provide financial reports.
At its core, this objection often reflects a desire to designate giving to ministries deemed most effective. We must ask if those same pastors or leaders would appreciate such selective giving from members of their own local churches?
The Conclusion
Every program has weaknesses, potential dangers, and objections. These are best addressed through honest dialogue, accountability, and a spirit of generous stewardship. As with any ministry effort, positive promotion is essential.
However, in Missouri, we can positively affirm that CO-OP giving works, and we truly are better together!
